Women's Soccer Wins on the Hilltop

SAN FRANCISCO -
The Santa Clara University women's soccer team defeated San Francisco 1-0 in a match played in rainy and windy conditions at Negoesco Stadium this afternoon in San Francisco. Sophomore forward Tina Estrada scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute as the Broncos improve to 9-4-2 overall, 2-1-0 in West Coast Conference play. The Dons' record moves to 7-5-3, 1-2-0.

"Today's game was one of two halves," head coach Jerry Smith said after the contest. "We didn't show up ready to play, but gave a good effort in the second half. And, for the second game in a row, we had a lot of people come off the bench and contribute to the victory today."

The first half saw relatively few opportunities for both teams, as the teams adjusted to a slippery artificial surface and a wet ball. Santa Clara did have a 5-4 shot advantage at the half, including two from Estrada.

Santa Clara started the second half with aggressive play, searching for opportunities. Leslie Osborne took a hard left-footed shot that USF keeper Stephanie Beall stopped. Minutes later, Marian Dalmy made a dangerous effort, beating two players and getting herself inside the box. Her shot was just wide, hitting the right post. That was followed by a free kick from Catherine Sigler, taken on the far side just outside the center circle that required another save by Beall.

The offensive efforts paid off in the 62nd minute, when the Broncos went ahead 1-0 on Estrada's team-leading seventh goal of the season. Megan Kakadelas made a nice cross from deep in the corner. It went across the box to Lauren Zealear, who recognized a shot was not there, but kept the ball in play with a header to knock the ball back toward the goal. The attempt was cleared by Don defender Katie Horan, but Estrada was there for the rebound, scoring from eight yards out.

San Francisco's game plan included many long balls, and Bronco center backs Lana Bowen and Sigler were key in breaking down many Don opportunities. Minutes after the Bronco goal, San Francisco's Shuree Hyatt was running down a pass, drawing SCU keeper Julie Ryder 30 yards out to stop the opportunity.

The Dons finished with five shots, including one with 16 second remaining by Hyatt that sailed over the top.

Ryder finished with one save for the Broncos and Beall posted seven saves for the Dons. Bronco reserve Kendall Doherty added two shots to help celebrate her 18th birthday.

Santa Clara will return home and host two matches next weekend: Gonzaga on Friday at 7 p.m. and Portland on Sunday at 1 p.m. The match against the Pilots will be recorded for a national tape-delayed broadcast by CSTV.